Fabregas risked alienating Arsenal fans when telling Arsene Wenger he wished to join Barca prior to the World Cup finals, but the Gunners' skipper refused to go as far as submitting a written transfer request or making his dissatisfaction clear through the media.

He has now thanked Arsenal supporters for understanding the situation he found himself in and not reacting adversely to the transfer saga.

When asked if he had faced a backlash from Arsenal fans, Fabregas told The Sun: "No, not at all. I was honest about it all at the time and I think they understood the situation perfectly, 100%.

"There has not been one single person either at the stadium or in the street who has said anything bad to me about it - no, no. Nothing, nothing at all and that's been very welcome and appreciated. I am just focused on having a great season at Arsenal and winning something.

"We are still in a good position in the league, good position in the Carling Cup and we are in a good position in the FA Cup too, because it hasn't started yet! And I think we have a chance in the Champions League."

Despite Arsenal's trophy drought stretching back to 2005, Fabregas senses that Wenger is highly motivated to secure silverware this season.

"Yes, yes, of this I'm sure," Fabregas said. "I can guarantee you that, 100%. I have been here for seven years, I'm now in my eighth year so I know him very well and I can tell you he is more focused than ever.

"He wants to win and he wants to prove that this young team can be winners, can be successful. That's his dream and he's working very hard for it."